Son of Onsi Sawiris (see), made first foray into Europe telecom sector with his group's $12 billion purchase last year of a controlling stake in Italian mobile and fixed-line phone operator Wind Telecommunicazioni. Facing pressure from Iraqi public for poor service record of Iraqna, his mobile phone subsidiary in war-torn Iraq. Argued that security problems there should prompt government to extend current licenses by 3 to 5 years. Bought stake in Hutchison Whampoa for $1.3 billion, causing concerns among some Israelis who didn't like the idea of Arabs holding a stake in Hutchison's Israeli cellular carrier, Partner Communications.